27 Aug 2024 501 Football Team 2024: Walter Hicks – Benton

After falling in the Class 6A state semifinals the past two seasons, senior linebacker Walter Hicks and the Benton Panthers maintain high expectations this fall.

“We are working to go undefeated and win a championship in December,” he said. “We can achieve these goals by being the toughest and most physical team.”

Hicks doesn’t just talk about toughness—he lives it out on the field. Over the course of his high school football career, he’s battled through numerous injuries.

“Walter was a first-team 6A East All-Conference performer last season,” Benton Coach Brad Harris said. “He has led our team in tackles the past two years. He didn’t play in the second half of six of our games and still had over 100 total tackles. He is relentless on the field and one of the most aggressive and physical linebackers I have ever coached. He pursues the football and has a nose for the ball. He is also a great student with a 4.0 GPA. He is a locker room leader for us and holds a job down year-round.”

Hicks also competes in track and field, throwing shot put for the Panthers.

“Walter will play college football,” Harris said. “He is getting interest from all the Division II schools in Arkansas. He has an offer from North Alabama and Henderson State. He is also being looked at by Central Arkansas and Arkansas State. He is the captain of our defense, and I expect him to have an all-state year.”